The World Cup Daily: Mexico, South Korea triumph in openers
The 2026 FIFA World Cup got underway on Thursday with football, festivities and protests marking the opening day of the tournament in Mexico, Canada and the United States, reports a Qazinform News Agency correspondent.
The opening ceremony at Mexico City's Estadio Azteca featured Colombian singer Shakira and Nigerian artist Burna Boy performing the tournament's official song, Dai Dai, before a packed crowd. The historic venue became the first stadium to host matches at three FIFA Men's World Cups, having previously staged games in 1970 and 1986.
However, celebrations were overshadowed by clashes outside the stadium, where protesters confronted police near Gate 8. Demonstrators, including teachers, farmers, transport workers and relatives of missing persons, accused authorities of prioritizing the World Cup over domestic issues. More than 10,000 security personnel were deployed for the event.
On the pitch, co-host Mexico opened the tournament with a 2-0 victory over South Africa. Julián Quiñones scored the first goal of the World Cup in the ninth minute, while Raúl Jiménez added a second after the break to secure all three points for El Tri.
Following the opening day's results, Mexico tops Group A, while South Korea leads Group B as the expanded 48-team tournament begins its month-long journey toward the final on July 19.
Earlier, Qazinform News Agency reported that Mexico had opened the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 2-0 victory over South Africa in Group A, becoming the first team to secure three points at the tournament.